Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "End" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "end", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
終わる
おわる (owaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
終了
しゅうりょう (shūryō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "end" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 終わる and 終了.
In Japanese, 終わる (おわる (owaru)) is typically associated with "to end, to finish (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something comes to an end on its own. The transitive form is 終える.
On the other hand, 終了 (しゅうりょう (shūryō)) maps to "end; close; completion" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for events, meetings, projects, or formal procedures. Can be a noun. A literal translation of "end" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "終わる"
授業は5時に終わります。
The class ends at 5 o'clock.
Bilingual Context for "終了"
試験時間は10時に終了します。
The exam time will end at 10 AM.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "授業は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "The class ends at 5 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終わる" fits here because it means "to end, to finish (intransitive)" in the context of: "The class ends at 5 o'clock.". "終了" represents "end; close; completion".